Category Archives: Blog Event

If you would have told me a few months ago that would be in Philadelphia sitting at the same dinner table with some of my blogging idols. I would have died right there. Heck, if you would told me that last week, I probably would have chickened out of coming to Healthy Living Summit all together. Yet, there I was last night drinking margaritas and making new friends with bloggers from all over.

Prior to Dinner on day 2 of the summit, we had a packed schedule from 8am-5pm with speakers. There was so much more useful and inspiring information than I ever thought possible. I learned everything from how to write a better recipe to blogger safety. The monetizing presentation blew my mind. I have honestly never even thought about most it. Katy is like the Yoda of the blogging world. She just knows so much.

The talked I enjoyed the most was, The Numbers Game, with a panel by Tina, Lisa, Janetha, and Beth. They all had very motivational, personal, and truly inspirational stories to share on how numbers play a role, or do not play a role, in their goals for a healthy life.

Some of my favorite statements of the day came out this session:

“Weightloss should be a side effect, not a focus” – Beth of Beth’s Journey

“Focus on things you can control” and “Leave the week you took off in the dust” – Janetha of Meals and Moves

“Just do what works for you and own it” – Lisa of I’m an Okie, In reference to not comparing yourself to others

“Focus on the little things, it is going to take time, and that is okay” – Tina of Fitness, Faith, Fun

We were lucky enough to have meals and snacks all day long sponsored by Attune, Great Harvest, and Quaker. The tomato basil bread from Great Harvest – awesome. If you have one near you definitely try it!

We were up early this morning for the final event a group 5k walk/run.

The weekend flew by so fast. I am so happy I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and attend this conference. The experience was more than I could have hoped for. I definitely am already planning to attend again next year.

I want to give a special shout out to Meghann and her helpers Ben and Kelly, and all the other coordinators for all the work they did to put together a really wonderful weekend. Thank you to Quaker for providing great food and a fun speaker, Dawn Blanter RD, LDN.

I also want to thank Ashley for giving me a lot of helpful advice this weekend.

Tomorrow it is back to work and back to reality. Hopefully more blogger meet ups are in the near future!

Hey There! I’m still under strict order to rest because of my IT band problem. It makes it really hard to wake up and see that is it sunny and 66 degrees this morning – my perfect running weather. Cooler mornings, shorter days – Fall is a-coming! Although, I’m not sure I am really ready for summer to end yet. It flew by! But am excited for riding boots, hats, and flannel! I am currently trying to figure out pinterest and putting together a board for my Fall wardrobe. The last thing I need is another internet distraction. Ahhh well.

In honor of the cooler weather though I am bringing my scarves back out! I have an obsession with them. There is a giant rubbermaid drawer in my closet just full of scarves. Plus a scarf hanger on the rack with my favorites AND a bunch hanging off our coat rack on the door. I think Bryan has a heart attack everything I bring home a new scarf. Oh well, every girl has her thang. Scarves just happen to be my accessory of choice. Here is what I am rocking today.

And check out my earrings! First time I’ve worn them. I got this them at this really great little shop in Asheville, NC on our vacation in back in June.

So last night was the fundraising event for Ali on the Run and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America at Jack Rabbit Sports. I was kind of nervous to go because I’ve never met her and I was sure other bloggers would be there. Bryan tagged a long for support – and free food. I figured it would be a good precursor to HLS – which is next weekend!!

This is Ali dishing out trivia questions about 90’s television.

I met Ali briefly – there were a to of people there! She sounds just like she writes. It was kind of crazy. And I actually got to meet Theodora from Losing Weight in the City. The verdict – there is nothing to be nervous/afraid about. They were both so nice. So if you ever see a blogger just say hi! I thought it would be weird introducing myself to someone I already knew so much about, but who did not know me at all. But it was really nice to chat in person. I also made a non-blogging friend. Hi Nicole! She has run half marathons in the past, and actually lives in the same NYC neighborhood as me. New Running Buddy!! Let’s hope so once this injury gets straightened out. Last night’s experience has made me even more excited for next weekend. And less nervous, which is awesome.

While at Jack Rabbit I picked up one of Ali’s shirts. The material is awesome. I am pretty pumped to wear it and support her.

I think you will be able to order them online. So if you want one too, I would check Ali’s blog for info. 100% of the profits goes to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

On the Agenda for Today –

On my way to lab now

Physical Therapy Appointment # 2

Dry Cleaner – my skirt has been there for over a week : /

And some how find this week’s episode of Covert Affairs online because I missed it on Tuesday!

But first, my stomach is rumbling and ready for this baby:

Isn’t she lovely??

This is just a simple combo: 1/2 c old fashion oats, approx. 1 cup of choc. unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp of chia seeds, about 1 T. of left over sunflower butter in the jar. Alittle extra milk and strawberries added this morning.

That is an extra long gelato spoon I bought last weekend just for Overnight Oats in a Jar. No more nut butter knuckles for me. Not that I really minded licking my fingers. But the spoon is fun, isn’t it.

What is on your agenda for this Friday?? I also want to go see The Help. The book was awesome. And I really like Emma Stone.

And what is your accessory of choice. Or do you stock pile an item of clothing like tee shirts?? I am guilty of the tee shirts too. *See new Ali on the Run tee above*

Happy Friday!

Welcome!

Hi! I am Ashley. A life long food enthusiast, but with a newly developed healthy attitude. This blog is a place for discussion about healthy living, as well as a resource for the science behind healthy choices. Freckles & Spice is my commitment to stay on the path towards healthy and active lifestyle and to rediscover myself, all while balancing the fast paced, hectic life of a professional twenty-something living in the city. Thanks for stopping by!

First time here? Check out this post for a little introduction to what you will find here.